Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Unveils 31-Man Provisional Squad For Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has announced a provisional 31-man squad for Nigeria’s must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, scheduled for September 2025. The squad, released on Friday, 22 August 2025, blends experienced internationals with emerging talents as Nigeria aims to revive their faltering qualification campaign for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The provisional list, confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), includes standout names such as captain William Troost-Ekong, star striker Victor Osimhen, and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman. Other notable inclusions are Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Chelle has also recalled players who shone at the 2025 Unity Cup in London, including defenders Benjamin Frederick, Felix Agu, and Igoh Ogbu, as well as midfielder Christantus Uche and Glasgow Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers. Experienced players such as Adeleye Adebayo, Chidozie Awaziem, and OGC Nice’s Terem Moffi also return to bolster the squad.
A surprise addition is 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who made history as Nigeria’s youngest-ever player at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and kept the team’s only clean sheet in the tournament. Other promising talents include defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and forwards Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, and Tolu Arokodare. The squad also features, new AC Milan recruit Victor Boniface, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, and Paris FC’s Simon Moses.
Nigeria, currently fourth in Group C with only one win in six matches, face a critical double-header. They host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on 6 September, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face group leaders South Africa on 9 September. With South Africa six points ahead, Chelle’s side must secure victories to keep their World Cup dreams alive, especially with the possibility of a three-point deduction for South Africa due to fielding an ineligible player in a previous match.
Chelle, who took charge in January 2025, faced criticism after Nigeria’s disappointing CHAN 2024 campaign, where the home-based Eagles exited in the group stage. However, the Franco-Malian coach remains focused on the challenge ahead. “I came to Nigeria for the challenge, to achieve something with this big team,” Chelle said, dismissing rumours of financial motivations for taking the role. He also addressed speculation about his job security, stating, “I know I can be sacked after one match, but my focus is on qualifying Nigeria for the World Cup.”
The Super Eagles’ camp opens in Uyo on 1 September, with Chelle expected to trim the provisional list to 23 players closer to the match dates. The absence of Hull City defender Semi Ajayi, sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, is a significant blow to the defensive line. Additionally, players like Kelechi Iheanacho and Maduka Okoye were omitted from the provisional list, while FC Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi returns after recovering from a year-long ACL injury.
With Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, Chelle’s squad selection reflects a blend of youth and experience aimed at turning the tide in Group C. Fans are hopeful that this star-studded roster, backed by Chelle’s tactical acumen, will deliver the results needed to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
